In June 2025, Artem Sytnyk, the former head of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, was dismissed from his position as deputy at the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA)
This information was officially confirmed by the Agency's response to a request from the Civil Society Anti-Corruption Center (CSACC). According to the document, the reason for his dismissal was staff reduction as part of кадрових реформ (personnel reforms) provided for by Article 40 of the Ukrainian Labor Code. "Artem Sytnyk was dismissed on April 10, 2025, due to staff reductions in accordance with Order No. 159-K dated March 14, 2025," stated the DPA's press service in its response. This decision has caused significant resonance among anti-corruption circles and experts, who fear it may undermine the internal control system within the structure. Sources within the Civil Society Anti-Corruption Center do not rule out that the personnel changes in the Agency have purely political motives and aim to strengthen oversight by the Ministry of Defense, particularly by Minister Rustem Umerov and Director Arsen Zhumadilov. According to their version, this change could lead to the loss of independence of the DPA and transform it from an autonomous body into a subdivision of the Ministry of Defense, which would significantly narrow opportunities for transparent and effective arms procurement. CSACC expresses concern, arguing that such a step reduces the internal control level previously achieved through the absence of intermediaries in the procurement process. The independent activities of the DPA allowed direct cooperation with manufacturers and primary suppliers of arms—without so-called "middlemen," thereby reducing the risks of corruption abuses and ensuring transparency. The importance of this process is recognized by NATO and developed countries in the field of defense procurement. The standards of leading nations emphasize direct procurement of military equipment through independent agencies, ensuring an open and controlled process that minimizes opportunities for corruption schemes and abuses. Experts warn that changing the status of the Agency could revert Ukraine to old practices, where defense procurement issues were resolved through complex "middleman schemes" controlled by subordinate structures. In their view, this would significantly distort the standards of transparent and effective procurement created by NATO institutions—standards that are the best guarantee for the country's reliable defense in modern conditions. Overall, the dismissal of Artem Sytnyk and the associated кадрові рішення (personnel decisions) raise well-founded concerns about the reduction of internal control and the independence of the DPA. Currently, these actions have attracted close public and law enforcement attention, as their decisions impact not only the efficiency of defense procurement but also the level of corruption security in this sector.